Now that we have officially cleared up something pot smokers have known forever—that weed is not a gateway drug—it turns out, the reverse might be true.

A new study done at the University of British Columbia (UBC), suggests that drug users—particularly those addicted to opioids and alcohol—could benefit from using marijuana as a reverse “stepping stone” away from more dangerous substances.

Kurt Vonnegut once said that practicing any art ― no matter how badly ― makes the soul grow. “So do it,” he wisely advised.

Psychologists have now come to a similar conclusion. According to a recent study out of New Zealand, engaging in creative activities contributes to an “upward spiral” of positive emotions, psychological well-being and feelings of “flourishing” in life.

Chronic pain can be an incredibly debilitating condition. For many who live with it on a daily or near daily basis, the condition can be so oppressive, it affects other parts of their lives, impacting their mood, health, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, many treatment options are only nominally effective. Worse, commonly prescribed drugs like opioids are highly addictive and potentially toxic; 28,000 people died from an opioid overdose in 2014, more than any other year in history. No wonder a growing number of the estimated one in five Americans who suffer from chronic pain are turning to cannabis as an alternative.

While many people believe cannabis to be an effective treatment, what does the science say? Is it really more effective and safer than other drugs? Fortunately, when it comes to cannabis and cannabinoid-based formulations, chronic pain is one of the best studied conditions. However, the causes of chronic pain are diverse. Moreover, chronic pain can be nociceptive or neuropathic. Nociceptive pain is caused by tissue damage or inflammation. Neuropathic pain is caused by nervous system damage or malfunction. Continue reading “Is Cannabis Better for Chronic Pain Than Opioids?”

Beautifully caramelized leeks and onions cannot be rushed; resist the urge to crank up the heat. Leeks become especially silky and sweet when left to cook awhile. If they start to stick to the bottom of the pan, add a tablespoon or two of water, and stir (the liquid will evaporate during cooking). Instead of bread or crackers, serve the dip with an array of vegetables such as baby carrots, endive leaves, radishes, diagonally sliced cucumber, and mini sweet bell peppers for a bit of freshness, color, and crunch. You’ll also save calories and room for the larger meal to come.

Strain Highlights

White Rhino is a hybrid of White Widow and an unknown North American indica strain, creating a bushy and stout plant. The buds give off a strong and heady high. The plant’s parentage hails from Afghanistan, Brazil, and India. White Rhino is one of the best types of marijuana for medicinal use since it has such a high THC content.

As the cannabis movement continues to pick up steam, this question is more timely than ever. Yes, there is a lot of amazing progress being made and people are becoming more educated on the positive qualities of cannabis. However, frustrations persist and some of our followers shared the most aggravating misconceptions they hear on a regular basis. Below are the highlights:

1. “It’s a Gateway Drug”

We’ve all heard this one from as early on as our elementary school D.A.R.E. days, and it’s a popular argument your parents have used to illustrate the slippery slope that starts with cannabis and ends with injecting heroin between your toes. Yes, there is a correlation between cannabis consumption and other drug use, but as TIME points out, correlation does not equal causation. While hard drug users may also be cannabis users, the vast majority of cannabis users aren’t going to graduate to stronger drugs. Continue reading “5 Frustrating Misconceptions About Cannabis”

Insomnia is the most well known sleep disorder ― affecting as many as 10 percent of all Americans, according to estimates. It’s simply characterized by having trouble either falling asleep or staying asleep. For people who suffer from chronic insomnia, that means at least three nights of troubled sleep per week that lasts for at least three months in a row.

But if you’ve never experienced it, you probably don’t truly understand what insomnia feels like.

“[There] are really long and upsetting nights,” Susan Rutigliano, a 32-year-old from New York City who has struggled with insomnia since she was 17, told The Huffington Post.

“Those are the nights where its just you alone with your thoughts, crippling exhaustion and just waiting for the sun to come up so you can start getting ready to go to work and feel like hell the entire day.”

When it comes to cannabis consumption, the second-most important consideration, after the flower itself, is the delivery method. This point is often overlooked, as evidenced by the prevalence of consumers who have limited their experimentation to only one or two methods. If you find yourself within this category but aspire to become a comprehensive cannabis aficionado, let this be your checklist. Gaining the mental and physical benefits of cannabis is largely dependent upon how it’s consumed, with each method providing a unique experience and host of effects. Who knows — you could find a new favorite. Let the exploration begin! Continue reading “The Different Ways to Smoke and Consume Cannabis”

Strain Highlights

DNA Genetics developed Chocolope by crossing Chocolate Thai with Cannalope Haze to create their homage to the Chocolate strains of the 1980s. The hefty sativa buds give earthy, sweet coffee flavors that provide a dreamy, cerebral effect. Consumers report a strong, euphoric mental shift that is great when coping with depression or stress.